Brett Holman, Al Nasr’s Australian striker, has retired from international football with immediate effect, ruling him out of this summer’s World Cup.
The forward, who last July transferred to the Arabian Gulf League from England's Aston Villa, had said last month he hoped to be part of coach Ange Postecoglou's squad for Brazil.
Postecoglou names his provisional 30-man roster in the next few weeks, before confirming his final 23 at the beginning of June. Australia contest Group B alongside Chile, Spain and the Netherlands.
However, Holman, integral in Australia’s qualification for the finals, did not appear to be part of those plans. Although capped 63 times for his country - he scored nine goals, including a vital contribution at the 2010 World Cup - Holman has fallen out of favour with Postecoglou, and was not selected for the manager’s first match in charge against Costa Rica last November.
Holman, 30, was recalled in March, for the fixture against Ecuador in London, but was an unused substitute. He had retained hope of making a second appearance at the finals, though, yet took the surprise step on Wednesday to announce his retirement.
“It has been a great honour and privilege to play for Australia, and to represent one’s country is every footballer’s dream,” Holman said in a statement. “I am proud of my achievements and I take with me many happy memories of my time with the national team. Growing up in Croydon Park, I would never have imagined scoring twice in a World Cup.
“Over the past six months, circumstances have led me to re-think my international career and I have made the difficult decision to step aside from my role with the Socceroos. My priorities lie with my young family, and my focus from now on will be with my club Al Nasr. I’ve enjoyed a lengthy and challenging season in the Middle East, and the league over here continues to go from strength to strength.
“The players that I’ve played with and the staff of the Socceroos have been fantastic and I have made some great friendships that I’ll have for a lifetime. I’d like to wish the current playing group every success, and I look forward to seeing them do the whole nation proud in Brazil and beyond.”
Holman, one season into a two-year contract at Nasr, has scored three goals in 24 league matches this season, although he has impressed with his application and endeavour.
Late last month, when asked about his World Cup ambitions, he said: “That’s up to the coach. I can only continue to do well with Nasr. It’s the coach who makes the decision.”
The Socceroos reacted to Wednesday’s announcement by posting on their official Twitter account: “Congratulations to Brett Holman on a stellar career in our Green and Gold.”
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